Minnesota Dairy Expansion Sparks Water and Farm Concerns

By Scout Nelson

Land Stewardship Project (LSP) says the proposed expansion of Riverview LLP’s West River Dairy near Morris, Minnesota, continues to move through the local approval process. If approved, the project would increase the dairy’s herd from 7,855 cows to 18,855 cows, making it the largest dairy operation and concentrated animal feeding operation (CAFO) in Minnesota.

On August 19, the Stevens County Planning Commission recommended approval of the project's conditional use permit with conditions attached. However, the proposal still requires final approval from the Stevens County Board of Commissioners, which is scheduled to review the request on September 1.

Community members have raised concerns about the potential impact of the expansion on local water resources and rural communities. During the Stevens County Fair, residents and LSP members gathered signatures and discussed the proposal with local citizens.

According to the organization, concerns focus on groundwater use, manure management, and the future of family farms. Advocates for additional review believe a project of this scale should be carefully evaluated to ensure long-term environmental and community sustainability.

The proposed expansion has also fueled broader discussions about the growth of large livestock operations across the region. Critics say such projects raise questions about local control, agricultural consolidation, and the future of independent producers.

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) previously determined that the project would not require a full environmental impact statement, despite receiving more than 1,400 public comments. As a result, local officials will play a key role in the next phase of the decision-making process.

Ahead of the county board vote, LSP is advocating for an independent water study and encouraging public participation. The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is also collecting feedback on the broader impacts of large dairy operations, with findings expected to be shared with the Minnesota Legislature.

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